Hydrocephalus in Dogs

Overview of Canine Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease in which there is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricular system of the brain. Both male and female dogs are equally affected.

Hydrocephalus may be seen in young animals (less than 18-months-old) or older animals (greater than six-years-old).

CSF is normally formed in the brain. It bathes, protects, and circulates through parts of the brain and coverings and is then absorbed into the circulatory system. In young animals, CSF can accumulate in the brain causing the fontanel (the soft spot that normally closes after birth) to bulge. The bones of the skull are soft and can be enlarged due to the increased volume and pressure leading to a dome shaped cranium. The eye position within in the eye socket may be abnormally deviated where the sclera (white portion of the eye) is visible in both eyes towards the nose.

Causes of hydrocephalus in young animals include congenital defects, intrauterine or perinatal infections, perinatal trauma, and central nervous system tumor. The most common cause of hydrocephalus in young animals is congenital defect. Toy breeds have the highest incidence.

When older animals are affected by hydrocephalus, outward signs are not as evident since the bones of the skull are already fused.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary with the cause, the age at presentation, the brain tissue being compromised, and the degree of tissue damage.

What to Watch For

Signs of hydrocephalus in dogs may include:

Diagnosis of Hydrocephalus in Dogs

Diagnostic tests are needed to identify hydrocephalus and differentiate it from other diseases that may cause similar signs.

In addition to obtaining a complete medical history and performing a thorough general physical examination, your veterinarian will likely perform or recommend the following tests:

Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Dogs

The goal of treatment is to minimize or prevent brain damage by improving CSF flow. Treatment depends on the severity of the clinical signs in dogs and may include one or more of the following:

Prognosis

Untreated severe hydrocephalus has a poor prognosis and usually results in death. Although the efficacy of therapy cannot be assessed without attempting treatment, the severity of clinical signs correlates with the success of treatment. Dogs with symptoms that are difficult to manage are poor candidates for medical or surgical treatment.

Some dos with congenital hydrocephalus have an immediate response to medical or surgical treatment and can be stable over a long period of time.

In-depth Information on Hydrocephalus in Dogs

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease in which there is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricular system of the brain. The fluid in the brain (CSF) is normally formed in the brain. It bathes, protects, and circulates through the ventricular system within the brain and the coverings and is then absorbed into the circulatory system.

The production of CSF has an active and passive component; absorption is only a passive process. When the absorption of CSF is blocked or excessive fluid is produced, the volume of CSF increases. The increased CSF volume puts pressure on the brain, forcing it against the skull, damaging or destroying the tissues.

Symptoms of excess CSF volume vary with the cause, the age at presentation, the brain tissue being compromised, and the degree of tissue damage. In young animals, CSF can accumulate in the brain causing the fontanel (soft spot) to bulge. The bones of the skull are soft and can be enlarged due to the increased volume and pressure leading to a dome shaped cranium. The eye position within in the eye socket may be abnormally deviated where the white portion of the eye (sclera) is visible in both eyes towards the nose.

Causes of Canine Hydrocephalus in Dogs

Breeds Commonly Affected with Hydrocephalus

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Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations.

In-depth Information on Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are needed to identify hydrocephalus and differentiate it from other diseases that may cause similar signs. In addition to obtaining a complete medical history and performing a thorough general physical examination, your veterinarian will likely perform or recommend the following tests:

Neurological assessment. Because of excessive CSF that may be pressing on the brain, your veterinarian will perform a complete neurologic examination assessing your pet’s mental status, level of consciousness, cranial nerve examination, gait assessment, postural reactions, spinal nerve reflexes and sensory examination.

Laboratory work assessing your pet’s general health and the presence of an underlying disease that may be causing the hydrocephalus. Recommended tests may include:

In-depth information on Treatment

The goal of treatment is to minimize or prevent brain damage by improving CSF flow. Treatment depends on the severity of the clinical signs and may include one or more of the following:

Prognosis and Home Care

Untreated hydrocephalus in dogs has a poor prognosis and usually results in death. Although the efficacy of therapy cannot be assessed without attempting treatment, the severity of clinical signs correlate with the success of treatment. Dogs with intractable symptoms are poor candidates for medical or surgical treatment.

Some dogs with congenital hydrocephalus have an immediate response to medical or surgical treatment and can be stable over a long period of time.

Call your veterinarian promptly if your dog shows symptoms of hydrocephalus. Contact an emergency clinic or your veterinarian if emergency symptoms occur including lethargy, fever, increased somnolence, stiff/painful neck, seizures or deteriorating level of consciousness.

Protect the head of your dog from injury by handling him carefully and preventing falls. Promptly treating infections associated with hydrocephalus may reduce the risk of developing the disorder.